Belts and Hoses
Most Bradenton, Florida vehicle break downs today are related to belts, hoses and cooling system problems.
Today’s vehicles run hotter than ever before and have more packed into a tighter area than ever before. Belts and hoses are prone to cracking and deterioration from the elements. These items often can crack, leak, or fray from constant exposure to heat, vibration, and other harmful chemicals. If not properly maintained, any one of these could spell disaster for your engine performance. Here are some of our recommendations to ensure belt and hose quality:
Visual Inspection of Belts
- Search for clear indications of damage (cracking, glazing, softening, or peeling).
- Test for correct tension.
Test for correct alignment.
Record belt condition for future reference.
Record belt condition for future reference.
Visual Inspection of Hoses
- Search for leaks, cracks, hardening, or softening.
- Test cooling system for leaks using state-of-the-art pressure technology.
- Record hose condition for future reference.
Get your vehicle’s belts and hoses inspected on a regular basis because damaged pieces can seriously harm your vehicle. Research shows that while most people get regular oil changes, they neglect the condition of their belts and hoses. A leaking hose or a cracked belt will cause you more trouble than an overdue oil change ever will.
Below are brief descriptions of some of the different belts and hoses we inspect:
Drive Belts:
The engine drives some of your vehicle’s accessories. Instead of being supplied by electric power, these accessories rely on a series of pulleys and belts to operate. Some of these accessories include:
- Power steering pump.
Alternator.
- Air conditioning compressor.
Radiator cooling fan.
Water pump
Some vehicles require a single serpentine belt to power these accessories (as opposed to several individual belts).
Accessory Drive Belts
While some accessories in your car are electrically powered by the charging system, others use the engine itself as their power source. The power for these accessories is delivered by a system of pulleys and belts. Examples of these accessories are:
- Alternator.
- Water Pump for engine cooling.
- Power Steering Pump
- Air Conditioning Compressor.
- Radiator Cooling Fan.
- Many late model cars use a single serpentine belt in place of individual belts to drive these accessories.
Hoses:
If you think of hoses as your vehicle’s circulatory system, then you’ll have an appropriate representation of their importance. Hoses are composed of two rubber layers with fabric in between. Types of hoses vary on make and model, but typically include:
- Fuel hose (sends gasoline from the gas tank to the engine).
- Radiator and Heater Hoses – These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core.
Power steering hose (connects power steering pump to steering equipment).

Tony and Adam Begley
Over 40 years
Family Owned &
Family Friendly Service!
Hours of Operation |
Monday-Friday
7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – Noon
Closed Sunday
* hours may differ by location
Manatee Shell
3401 Manatee Ave. W
941-748-2068
Westway Shell
5818 Manatee Ave. W
941-792-0412
Sunoco Auto Clinic
4630 Manatee Ave. W
941-782-8980
(by appointment)
We proudly provide auto repair service to car and light truck owners in Bradenton Florida, and surrounding communities.
Areas Served : Bradenton | Memphis | Palmetto | Bayshore Gardens | Parrish | Ellenton | South Bradenton | Anna Maria Island | Bradenton Beach | Longboat Key | Sarasota | and surrounding areas.